MBS115/E Micro-Bandsaw Update
MBS115/E Micro-Bandsaw
I received a question about the Proxxon Micro-Bandsaw MBS 115/E I have in my workshop and used to offer in the store. This is an update after using it for a few years so I thought I should share my reply with everyone (anyone who reads this blog) 🙂
” I like my saw. I use it a lot with the bi-metal cutting blade. I have cut many rather thick (1″) parts (in brass) and cutting 1/8 inch brass or aluminum plate is easy. These parts are for the A3 switcher I am slowly working on.
However, it is a small, light saw that can’t be pushed hard to speed up a cut, as it will stall (no harm so far). The belt rides on a smooth pulley on the blade wheel. The belt cogs only engage the motor pulley, so on the smooth blade wheel the belt cogs reduce surface grip. The motor is also a 1/8 HP, so I assume the belt drive design helps protect the motor. (Proxxon could have put cogs on the the blade wheel but didn’t.)
So I rate it for thin metal and bar stock and detail cutting in the first writeup. I don’t want potential purchasers imagining this saw is a replacement for the cutoff bandsaw and buy one for the wrong use. (Given time with slow feed it could be used but not recommended.)
Original report link: http://thehobbyistmachineshop.com/shop26.html
Low mass saws with aluminum wheels do not have much inertial rotating mass. (stored energy) Same goes with all small aluminum lathes or mills like the Taig and Sherline. These tools can do great work if the user understands the inherent limitations of low mass. Old heavy iron machinist have a terrible time downsizing to mini and micro tool performance and start spouting off about faults. Ha! 🙂
Understanding this, I find the bandsaw will perform very well when letting the blade do the work, even in heavy stock. But again, I consider this a detail saw and not a replacement for he shop cut off saw. (There, I said it twice.)
It’s blade is much smaller than a higher power cut-off bandsaw, so is good for making shallow turns. The slower (variable) speed is great for metal cutting. Some mini saws of this type are designed for wood only and run too fast or don’t have a good bi-metal cutting blade.
Incidentally, when I am cutting small metal parts they can get too hot to hold. I haven’t installed the water feed (I keep a water bowl handy) but the saw is designed for water cooling if desired.
Recommended? Yes, when used within its limits and limits are not seen as faults.”